Almost 300 People Quarantined at UCLA and Cal State L.A. Due to Measles Exposure

Almost 300 students, staff and faculty at two California universities have been placed under quarantine due to concerns that they may have been exposed to measles, according to Los Angeles County Health officials.

By Jessica Davis

April 29, 2019

Almost 300 students, staff and faculty at two California universities have been placed under quarantine due to concerns that they may have been exposed to measles, according to Los Angeles County Health officials.

The University of California at Los Angeles said Thursday that a student infected with measles attended classes on campus on April 2, 4 and 9. The student only entered two buildings while on campus, but the university determined that more than 500 students and staff might have been exposed or come into contact with the sick student.

Many of those who might have come into contact with the student were cleared, but the university said it is waiting on medical records from 82 faculty members and students. Those faculty members and students will remain quarantined until proof of immunity is established. The students will live on campus while they’re under quarantine.

California State University at Los Angeles officials have also alerted its students and staff of a potential measles exposure that took place on April 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at a campus library. California State said Thursday that those at the library during that time have been asked to provide immunization records or be checked for immunity at the health center.

According to California State, 127 staff employees and 71 student employees have been instructed to stay at home and avoid contact with other people under quarantine orders. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said quarantined students and staff are also asked to notify the department if they develop measles symptoms.

"For those exposed to a confirmed case of measles who could not provide evidence of two doses of measles immunizations or lab verified immunity to measles, a Health Officer Order for quarantine is being issued,” the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said in a statement.

The quarantines could last as long as 21 days, according to the department.